Too Many Walls

Baroque.  Loving the term and everything that comes with it.  Was recently assigned to do a bridal editorial for Metro weddings with the theme in mind and couldn't help but get an overload of ideas. The venue for the shoot was held at Illustrado restaurant in Intramuros, Manila.  The "walled city" was the perfect backdrop for this wonderful concept. The idea of preserving structures that remind us of history is significantly noble.  Both interiors and exteriors of the place were well kept and glad to still having a structures of the like still around.  The huge old house was transformed into an establishment that had a coffee shop, fine dining resto and a ballroom for events. We had an early call time at the walled city, with 10 gowns from the best designer's, jewelry and shoes in the country--this shoot was bound to be a great one.  From one layout to another, the feeling was like being transported in a glorious era as we tried to impart through the concept and pieces a part of history.  It was a super fun shoot where we could constantly all tease each other while dripping in sweat.  Laughter echoed through the walls and hallways as if there was nothing but the stillness of air.  The shoot went quick and fast as usual as the team moved in organized chaos.  Loving how everything flowed out well through and through.  If only the walls could talk, am sure whatever was there celebrated with us as we became part of Illustrados history.

For the man of the times by Salvatore Mann Black Label.

Holiday hues from Parisian.

Tanned by Salvatore Mann Black Label.

Step worthy by Parisian.

Precious delights made by Joyce Makitalo.

Bejeweled blitz by Joyce Makitalo.

Ornate masterpiece by Nicole Whisenhunt.

Nicole Whisenhunt.

Fantastic belt by Nicole Whisenhunt.

Pearl of a difference.

Makeup artist Bobby Carlos works on model Grace Tagle while assistant makeup artist Tintin Catalan Samaniego smiles on.

Max Factor's Bobby Carlos with Metro Weddings Krisa Tiongco.

Assistant makeup artist Tintin Catalan Samaniego works on model Pedro Mologni.

Tales from the South Sea from Jewelmer.

Masterpieces by Joyce Makitalo.

Let there be light.

Color combination.

Old world charm.

Pastel.

Set in stone.

Of flowers and vines.

Somewhere in time.

Golden.

On set.

Hairstylist Jim Geurrero works on model Pedro Mologni in a modern tux  by Joey Samson. .

Blast from the past.  Grace Tagle in a Jun EScario.

Under the shade.

A minute of waiting.

Welcome.

Far away.  Associate stylist Mikka Velasquez, Bobby Carlos, Mary Grace Caison and associate stylist Rudolph Leonor(far right).

The new guards.  Photographer Joan Bitagcol and Metro Weddings' Fashion Editor Ana Lloren.

There's no bird.

Surprise visit. Designer Frederick Peralta.

Never ending story. 

Fashion Relevance

The Philippines is a vast landscape of creativity.  The richness of our arts and culture is a testament of outstanding and remarkable talent in the country.  The local fashion industry is one facet that has triumphed international competitions and have brought accolades to this growing nation. Leading and honing young design talents to a promising future is the highly reputable Fashion Design Council of the Philippines(FDCP). Since 1998, the FDCP has produced the Philippine Fashion Design Competition (PFDC) aimed at mentoring potential talents in preparation for various design competitions all over the world. 


This year, with the leadership of their current president designer JC Buendia, the FDCP unfolded the latest edition of the PFDC entitled “Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition” last June 29 at the Mandarin Hotel, Manila.  Through this competition, the council encourages fashion with a purpose-- discovering new talent to create design with social relevance.  With that in mind, this initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood for regional communities through design.  Furthermore, this creates awareness and promotion for the development of products made from indigenous weaves, materials and crafts. 


The FDCP is composed of the country's unwavering brilliant designers namely Edwin Ao, Ivarluski Aseron, PJ Aranador, Avel Bacudio, Vittorio Barba, JC Buendia, Joey Enriquez, Ramon Esteban, Arcy Gayatin, Len Nepomuceno-Guiao, Oj Hofer, Gerry Katigbak, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Anthony Nocom, Tippi Ocampo, Dong Omaga-Diaz, Randy Ortiz, Frederick Peralta, Joey Samson, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Jerome Ang, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Joel Escober, Gerry Sunga , Cary Santiago and as well as their Advisory Board Members: Lulu Tan Gan, Josie Natori and Cesar Gaupo.

Designer Rajo Laurel with model donning his Pintados inspired gown made
from hand-painted tattoo techniques with wood and shell beads. PINOY CHIC!

Designer Gerry Katigbak with model donning his Pina fiber creation inspired
by the Barong Tagalog.

Designer Jerome Salaya-Ang with model donning his electric pleated creation
in dyed Pina fiber.

Designer Tippi Ocampo with model donning her Jusi mini tuxedo dress with
bell sleeves accented with mother of pearl discs & paillettes.

Designer Joel Escober with model donning his Jute fabric creation with
distressed details on the neckline.

Celebrity Ambassadors Uber model Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, bag designer
Amina Aranaz Alunan and Phil Star columnist Mons Romulo.

Designer Frederick Peralta with model donning his illustrado inspired
ensemble of Pina trapeze top with ruffled bell sleeves over mikado silk
palazzo pantsuit.

 Lulu Tan-Gan's creation is a 30's inspired handcrafted "Pina & Knitwear" 

for the jet set.

Hindy Weber-Tantoco's pina masterpiece creation reflects architectural
femininity with old-world romance.

For those aspiring a career in design and who want to partake in this endeavor, the mechanics for the competition are as follows:

1)  The Philippine Fashion Design Council has two divisions: Apparel and Accessories (fashion and home décor). For Apparel, applicants must submit three (3) design entries each consisting of a 3-5 pieces collection for the modern day man or woman while Accessories Division applicants must submit three (3) one-piece design entries for home or fashion all true to the theme “Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition” 

2)  A Developmental Business Plan must be submitted along with the design entries for the judges to gauge the social impact of the applicant’s entry. The plan consists of the following: PEOPLE: Who and how many will benefit?  PLANET: What are the organic materials? PROFIT: How much profit can be expected? POSITIVE INFLUENCE: What is the overall impact you hope to achieve with your plan?

3)   Applications will be screened according to the following criteria: Originality and excellence in interpreting the theme “Weaving the Future” (35%); Marketability (20%); Execution and workmanship (20%) and Social Impact (25%)

 Finally, entries will be trimmed down to the top 20 finalists, hailing 10 best entries for each division.  Each finalist will then be paired with a Social Entrepreneur, a Livelihood Officer and Community Representative that will ensure that the Business Development plan can be executed. Finalists will be enrolled in an extensive mentoring program headed by FDCP’s own Dong Omaga-Diaz and Jojie Lloren. The School of Fashion and the Arts will also facilitate a customized training module for all finalists during the Mentoring Phase of the competition. Winners will be announced during the Finals Night, to be held at PAGCOR Grand Theater in November 22, 2011. 

FDCP Members Rajo Laurel, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Randy Ortiz, Tippi Ocampo, JC Buendia, Gerry Katigbak, Vic Barba, Tonichi Nocom, Frederick Peralta and Jerome Salaya-Ang.

Interested applicants may send their complete and filled-out PFDC Application Form with a scanned copy of all required materials to weavingthefuture@gmail.com on or before August 1, 2011. Application Forms and Guidelines are available at www.pldtwatchpad.com and may be requested through mobile number +63949-688-5230.Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition is presented by FDCP together with PAGCOR, in cooperation with benchPINOYlab, with SM and The School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) and powered by PLDTmyDSL & SMART.